What does the Bible say about living with someone before marriage?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible presents sexual union as belonging within the covenant of marriage and calls unmarried believers to chastity, wisdom, and holiness. In 1 Corinthians 7:1-40, Paul honors marriage as God’s proper setting for sexual intimacy while also commending self-control and faithful singleness. First Thessalonians 4:3-5 teaches that God’s will is our sanctification, rejecting sexual immorality and passionate desire that disregards him. Ephesians 5:3 urges that sexual immorality not even be tolerated among God’s people. Therefore, living together in a way that includes sexual intimacy before marriage does not reflect biblical obedience; Christians should pursue repentance, accountability, and a marriage covenant if they intend to build a shared life.